Early Childhood Education and literacy and choice

Memorial Day is a sober reminder of the cost of freedom. Through the centuries, millions of Americans have fought and died for a democracy built on the creed “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness.

At last week’s LSU Board of Supervisors meeting held in Shreveport, most of the Northwest Louisiana legislative delegation came to address LSU leadership. They spoke on the need for greater attention and resources for LSU-S and our medical school, LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS).

Reading, writing and arithmetic matter. So do history, geography and civics. With little fanfare last week, Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) unanimously approved new K-12 education standards in history, geography, economics and civics.

The COVID virus has changed everyone’s world. Many grieve over the loss of friends and loved ones. Many have suffered great personal loss. Health and careers have been impacted. Many have experienced the crush of change from mental, spiritual and other health concerns in caring for children and aging parents.

Dr. Tom Frieden, the CDC director from 2009 to 2017, wrote, “Developing a COVID-19 vaccine is the most important thing we can do to restore some order and normalcy in our world.” It is true.

The scientific method has been the foundation of many of the great discoveries made over the past century. It is a method that rechecks assumptions and logic as more information is available. This allows us to adapt as we learn. In the COVID-19 pandemic, we are filling in our gaps of knowledge every day.

The COVID-19 virus has changed everyone’s world. For many, health and career have been impacted. Others have experienced the crush of change from mental, spiritual and other health concerns to caring for our children and aging parents. The last few months have been a time of personal disruption and transition.